Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. About 85 percent of teens experience some type of acne, but even many adults deal with at least occasional breakouts too. Many safe home remedies for acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and hyperpigmentation due to acne scars are all available. These natural treatments can sometimes be compared in effectiveness to prescription medications and chemical solutions. And they can do this without some of the irritating and harmful side effects on your skin.
Here are 10 effective at-home acne treatments:
Aspirin
The active ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, the same key ingredient in many topical acne medications. Crush one aspirin in water and make a paste, then apply the paste directly to the pimple with a cotton swab and leave on for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a mild antiseptic and mild anti-inflammatory. Put a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton pad, and then gently dab it onto your pimples. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.
Green Tea Ice Cubes
Green tea has been known to soothe skin. Make a batch of ice cubes using green tea instead of water. Once the ice cubes are frozen, rub the ice onto the problem areas. You’ll feel relief immediately and the cooling powers of the ice will help reduce swelling as well.
Apple cider vinegar
For a DIY toner, dilute one part apple cider vinegar with three to four parts water (use four if you have sensitive skin), and then apply it all over your face using a cotton pad. It may kill surface bacteria and give a mild chemical peel. Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid that is added to many OTC acne products.
Lemon Juice and Salt
The astringent properties in lemon juice will work wonders on releasing the oil from your blemish. For even better results, add 1/2 tsp of salt to the lemon juice which will help dry out your acne even faster. Rub the mixture on the zit and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Do not go in the sun while mixture is on your face as lemons have bleaching power and can alter the color of your skin when exposed to the sun.
Garlic
Garlic has mild antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which may help when applied topically, and garlic in the diet is extremely healthy, with both anti-cancer and anti-clotting properties. Make a paste of crushed garlic and water, apply it directly to the blemish, and then wash it off after 5 minutes.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular home remedy for skin conditions due to its ability to dry out the skin. For best results, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to any area with acne and leave it on for a few minutes. This treatment method is most effective when used right before a bath or shower. The exfoliating power of the baking soda will dry up the acne and give your skin a more even tone.
Egg whites
The protein and vitamins in egg whites help to tighten and draw oils out of the skin, which may help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Smear egg whites over your problem areas and leave on 10 minutes before rinsing off with water.
Toothpaste
The toothpaste that you use regularly to clean your teeth can also help clear up an acne problem. This is in fact one of the easiest home remedies for acne. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste on the affected area before going to bed. The toothpaste will reduce the swelling and dry out the acne. Within a day or two, you should see significant improvement.
Aloe Vera Gel
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties in aloe vera can treat acne in a matter of a few days. Aloe vera gel is also helpful in healing the scars caused by acne. You can buy aloe vera gel from the market or get pure aloe vera gel by cutting a leaf off an aloe vera plant and squeezing the gel from the middle. Apply the aloe vera gel to the affected area twice daily.